FAQs

There are a variety of ways to get to camp. Some families drive or fly with their children to and from camp, however some campers do fly to and/or from camp on their own as an unaccompanied minor. We can meet/escort campers flying to camp at the Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Portland, ME. We will work individually with families to determine the best travel options for their camper. Because of the necessary travel and staff needs, there may be additional fees associated with airport escort/pick up or chaperoning. Please contact Emily to discuss further.

Our director will write regular blog posts about activities at camp, and each family will receive a report about their camper’s experience while they are at camp. We also have a program where families can email their campers, and campers can then write a letter home that is scanned and emailed to families. Campers are also welcome to send and receive letters via the good old USPS!

After camp, you will receive a final report that details your camper’s growth and development in the areas of social development, executive function and anxiety management.

Our camp director Emily is also available by phone and email during the camp session to answer any questions you have. Because we are a “tech free” camp, we do not allow phone calls or Zoom meetings between campers and families. In order for campers to fully integrate and enjoy the camp experience and community, visitors are not allowed on site during the camp session.

We want your child to be comfortable and happy at camp and we believe that serving nutritious and tasty food is an important part of that process. The kitchen staff can accommodate most food restrictions and allergies.

Our daily schedule is designed to expand every camper’s horizons and our staff is specially trained to help campers by being sensitive to their individual needs. A day at camp is filled with countless moments of fun and learning that promote growth, friendship and understanding and we encourage campers to engage and try new things while also enjoying time to reflect and recharge.

We give campers various options of how to participate – usually they jump right in – but if a camper is more hesitant they are given the option to observe and learn about an activity, and/or participate in a modified way such as scorekeeper or cheering section.

Our expectation is that campers can positively go with the group plan even if it is not their preferred activity. They join the group regardless of the activity and allow others to enjoy a meal, game or activity they don’t particularly enjoy, but recognize the important of allowing others to have fun.

Keeping all of our campers physically and emotionally safe is paramount at Camp Alsing. With a low camper to counselor ratio, we create a caring community that helps campers recognize social cues, build empathy and when we see a problem arise, we strive to address it immediately.

We have nurses at camp 24-hrs/day. Medications are administered in the morning and evening and if a camper needs medications at other times we can accommodate a flexible schedule.

Yes.

This is a question we hear often. It is often more the anticipation of being without a phone, tablet or other relied upon device that is a hurdle for campers, rather than the time at camp. Once a child is at camp, it only takes them a day or so to acclimate to life without these electronics. Campers often also use electronics in their lives at home as a way to take a break or have some time away from social demands. We understand the need for these breaks, and we encourage kids to bring comic books, graphic novels, books, cards, art supplies, jacks, board games or any other activities that they are interested in, or that you’ve been waiting to introduce them to. Campers are permitted to bring devices that exclusively play music or audiobooks. Examples of these devices are a Kindle Paperwhite or a SanDisk MP3 player.

We are committed to a screen-free environment because we believe this is the best way to build strong connections with the people around us. Campers are busy every day with many fun activities and new experiences, so they don’t typically miss the screen time, particularly because they are out of sight. In the engaging and structured routine of camp, thoughts of electronics fade into the background while we are having a great time.

Campers are asked to wear a solid yellow or solid navy shirt each day at camp. Campers are also required to bring a Camp Alsing sweatshirt and two Camp Alsing shirts to camp for field trips and special occasions. Shirts are available for purchase online at our camp store (link available in the spring). The cost for camp shirts/sweatshirt is approximately $75.

The first step in our application process is to be in touch with our director, Emily Chaleff, at emily@campalsing.com or 207-805-4155. The next step is to fill out an application through our website. Prospective campers will then meet virtually with Alsing staff to learn more about camp. We also ask for input from an outside provider, such as a therapist or teacher. Throughout this process, we work with families to determine if Alsing is a good match for each child.